Wisconsin Law Takes Dog Attacks Seriously
Wisconsin law makes dog-owners liable for all injuries and damages inflicted by their dogs.

November 12, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Wisconsin Law Takes Dog Attacks Seriously

Dog attacks are more common than people think and the resulting injuries -- both physical and emotional -- can be devastating.

The Facts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from dog bites annually, with about 20 percent of bites needing medical consultation. Roughly 31,000 dog-bite victims had to endure reconstructive surgery in 2006 alone.

Injuries can include cuts, puncture wounds, bruises, hematomas, swelling and infection, and in the worst cases tetanus, rabies, broken or dislocated bones, loss of tissue or extremities, and even death. Facial attacks are common and even sleeping babies have even been bitten.

This picture is sobering, but about 78.2 million dogs are owned across the country, according to The Humane Society of the United States, so the majority of dogs are not displaying aggressive behavior. The problem is, if you or a loved one is unlucky enough to be the victim of a serious dog attack, the recovery and long-term ramifications can be overwhelming, painful and expensive.

Wisconsin Dog-Attack Statute

Wisconsin law makes dog owners strictly liable for all injuries and damages inflicted by their dogs on people, domestic animals or property. Strict liability means the owner doesn't have to be at fault or negligent in any way to be responsible for the harm inflicted by the dog. The owner could have behaved perfectly responsibly, but in a strict liability claim that behavior is not relevant to liability for damages.

The owner can be liable for double damages if the dog had previously committed a similar act. It may be a defense to the strict liability claim if the dog's victim intentionally and without permission released the dog from confinement, or if the victim trespassed or acted negligently in some way.

The vast majority of dog attack claims are brought against the insurance company that insured the premises on which the attack occurred or the homeowners policy of the dog owner. Dog attacks frequently involve a pet owned by a neighbor, friend or relative, and victims feel reluctant to bring a claim because of that relationship. However, dog attack claims are generally paid by the insurance company that insures the home or property, not the dog owner. Most dog attack claims are settled without a lawsuit. In the event a lawsuit is necessary, Wisconsin has a direct action statute that permits claims to be brought directly against the insurer on a claim without naming the insured in the suit.

Anyone injured by a dog, or with a child or other loved one attacked by a dog, should seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to understand all legal options.

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